"US Cyber Command, DARPA Initiate Rapid Cyber Capability Prototyping and Integration Pilot"
A pilot program launched by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) aims to put new cyber capabilities in the hands of cyber operators more quickly. By developing a user-directed, incremental, and iterative pipeline for the creation, proving, adoption, and delivery of those capabilities into the software ecosystem of CYBERCOM, the Constellation pilot program will facilitate the flow of new cyber capabilities resulting from high-risk, high-reward cyber science and technology research. According to Mike Clark, Director of Cyber Acquisition and Technology at the CYBERCOM, innovation is at the heart of the command's strategy, which is why CYBERCOM and DARPA are collaborating more closely than ever to develop emerging tactical and strategic cyber capabilities and integrate them into operational warfighting platforms. Therefore, Constellation's success depends on speeding up the transfer of technology from DARPA research and development to CYBERCOM for operational use. In order to overcome the difficulties the Department of Defense (DOD) encounters when developing software systems, such as rapidly evolving technology, acceptance, and usability for both expert and non-expert providers, it is crucial to foster an agile-style pipeline from research to operations. In order to close the gap between science and technology, Constellation will provide a framework, develop mechanisms, and procure the necessary personnel, contracts, relationships, research, development, and operational warfighting capabilities. It will also provide feedback to the science and technology community on the changing nature of cyber threats and mission requirements. This article continues to discuss the goals of the new Constellation pilot program.